Too much talent to keep up with…
Okay, I’m gonna be real with you. Now that these bad boys are weekly, I’m honestly running out of things to write here. Essentially, we’re absolutely overflowing with amazing local acts, who each and every week drop quality tracks that soothe the soul and then some. Spanning across countless genres and moods, they never fail to transport you away from the ridiculousness of the world, to safe havens that let you know you’re not alone, and that there’s still gorgeous art being created. Thus, in that spirit, we’re back with another five tracks by local artists (including our first Like A Version for Homegrown Fire!), that you need to get on right fucking now.
Check it below.
Mia Rodriguez – ‘Corduroy Dreams’ by Rex Orange County (Like A Version)
TikTok-star turned musical empress Mia Rodriguez kicked off 2021 with one of the sweetest Like A Versions in recent memory, jamming out a sultry rendition of Rex Orange County’s ‘Corduroy Dreams’. Staying faithful to the OG tune (and that iconic guitar line), Mia somehow finds a way to enhance it even further into jazzy-sweetness, adding some mellow keys that flutter and twirl with pure tenderness. But make no mistake, her vocals are without a doubt the star of the show. She sings with a poise and effortlessness that you just can’t teach, almost as if she’s the headliner at a jazz matinee on a Sunday arvo, and we’re sipping on martinis just watching the queen do her thing. It’s equal parts mellow and snazzy. Definitely check her out.
Esmé – ‘For The Thrill’
Sydney-based Esmé radiates the most enchanting of elixir on ‘For The Thrill,’ weaving delicate webs of nu soul and jazz to craft a melting pot of heart-filled intent. Perched upon bouncy drums and flickery synths, the Sydney-starlet breathes those insatiable vocals that are equal parts earthy and otherworldly, and of course, filled to the brim with enough serenity to heal even the most painful of traumas. The various layers she envelopes you in are just totally cathartic, wrapping around you in a comforting embrace that holds you close and tight, but still give you enough room to feel everything you wanna feel. Essentially, if Billie Holiday’s spirit emerged in 2021 and had to choose an artist as a living vessel, that very artist would pale in comparison next to Esmé. Immerse yourself in her vision below.
Teenage Joans – ‘Something About Being Sixteen’
Adelaide two-piece Teenage Joans continue to go from strength-to-strength on ‘Something About Being Sixteen,’ giving an unfiltered snapshot of the adolescent experience that shines with pure optimism. Backed by hard-hitting guitar riffs and drums, the two rockers properly electrify the soul into sweet nostalgia, dealing out a thousand shots of spring awakening that take you right back to those formative years, where everything was bliss and the world was your oyster (it still is by the way!). The video is totally kick ass as well, capturing teenage innocence in all of its colour and vibrance. It’s no wonder the nation has fallen in love with them over the past year. They’re the future of Aussie rock, and you best get on them now. Check them below.
Tyne James Organ – ‘Not Ready For Love’
Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Tyne James Organ continues to bless us with his signature blend of fierceness and honesty, baring his heart in the most kick ass of ways in ‘Not Ready For Love’. Backed by some badass guitars and a powerful beat (which will one day be heard in the most packed of arenas, mark my words) the YouTube-star turned Aussie treasure curates an iconic bop that you can already tell will age just beautifully, emanating a purity that’s found in the purest salt of the earth. Singing about self-realisation and finding peace in oneself as they come of age, the writer of all things honest and true crafts a dancefloor-ready, crowd-singalong suited jam that embodies everything we love about the homegrown star: Strength, vulnerability and enough heart to make the world go round. The tune is a bop in every sense of the word. Definitely check it out.
Cat & Calmell – ‘Dramatic’
Sydney hyper-pop duo Catt & Calmell are firing on all cylinders on ‘Dramatic,’ kicking off the year with a hard AF banger that demands your full, undivided attention. Written to those in power who refuse to take action on the world climate, the two pop-queens come through with an addictive bop that steams with attitude, a bop that’s totally uncompromising in its message. Aside from all of the above however, it’s bloody sick in its arrangement. Taking inspiration from trap, pop and R&B, the track sees the two mates churn out a rich, textured beat that reverberates with the darkest of allure, equally matched by lush vocals that are capable of all soundtracking all feelings in the human condition. It’s a tune you need to get on ASAP, and what better time than the present? Check it out below.
